Buying a Home This Autumn? 4 Unconventional Ways to Save up for Your Down Payment

Autumn is a popular time for new home buyers to start looking for their first house or condo. But with that down payment looming, everybody could use a bit of help saving up to make that bulk payment a little less intimidating.

There are plenty of unconventional ways to save up that may seem small, but will quickly add up and put a dent into that down payment.

Create A High Interest Savings Account

Talk to the bank about creating a secondary savings account with a higher interest rate. These super savings accounts usually come with the caveat that no money can be removed for a designated period of time. Using this account for the down payment works in everybody’s favor because it guarantees those extra dollars cannot be used for any other purpose.

Discard One Guilty Pleasure

Enjoy Starbucks coffee? Grab a pint every happy hour? Choose one vice and put the amount that would be spent on it into a jar. Most people will be surprised on how much money they spend each month on one guilty pleasure that can easily be cut out of their life. Every perk that’s cut will increase the amount by a decent margin.

Put Away Any Bonus Money

Holiday bonuses from work, tax refunds, birthday or Christmas presents, income from side gigs, any and all extra dollars that come in from any source outside of the main paycheck should be considered ‘down payment dollars.’ Sure it’s tempting to use that nice bonus or tax refund on a weekend trip or a night out, but all extra income should be saved away for that initial down payment.

Bring On The Roommates

People who already own a home and are looking to relocate can take this unconventional approach. Decent housing is hard to find so anybody with an extra room can rent it out and put that money towards the new house. Having a roommate can be a pain, but it’s for a limited time and can add up quickly.

While saving for a down payment can be stressful, you don’t have to go through the process alone. I’d be happy to guide you and provide some helpful tips for how to make that down payment without breaking the bank. I’ve seen countless couples go through the same thing and my experience can make a world of difference for you.  Give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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8870 E Greenview Drive Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,850 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765808

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome To Gold Canyon's BEST Views % A STUNNING Remodeled Single Level Townhome In Premier Gated Fairway Views! Golf & Mountain Vistas In The Rear Greet You From The MOMENT You Enter The Front! GORGEOUS Travertine Flooring T/O, Including Front & Back Exterior, Vaulted Ceiling, Fireplace, Great Room Design, Granite Slabs in Kitchen & Corian Slabs In Baths, Skylights, Stainless Steel Apps, Custom Closet, Expanded Laundry/Pantry & More! NEW Roof in 2018, NEW H2O Heater in 2023 and NEW Softener in 2024! Patio Includes More Beautiful Travertine, Sparkling Fountain, Built In Bar & BBQ And The VIEWS That Go On Forever Showcasing #11 Green Of Gold Canyon Sidewinder Course, Dinosaur Mountain & Superstition Mountain! Home Offered Turnkey Furnished & 1 Year Home Warranty Provided To Buyer!

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2425 W Red Range Way Phoenix, AZ 85085

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,131 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777834

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Carefree Crossing...your serene desert retreat in North Phoenix, where convenience meets tranquility. Perfectly situated near Norterra shopping and dining, freeway access, hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and just 4 miles from TSMC. Step into this well maintained home with an airy, open-concept layout and 10' ceilings. Top that off with a split primary suite with patio access. The third bedroom offers flexibility as a home office or additional guest space. And a bonus room, which is just that, a bonus with a multitude of uses! With coveted N/S exposure, a private pool and spa and a covered patio, this home is designed for year-round enjoyment of Arizona's beautiful weather. Freshly painted inside and out and move-in ready, make Carefree Crossing your new home today!

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2355 N Cabot -- Mesa, AZ 85207

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,738 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780778

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Desert mountain views await you in this desirable gated community in NE Mesa. Great schools, easy access to freeways, shopping, hiking, biking, and water sports. This 3br plus office/den is detailed with beautiful Travertine stone flooring in all but 3 bedrooms with new carpet. Brand new quartz countertops, sinks and faucets in kitchen and both bathrooms along with refinished cabinets. New window blinds throughout. Six inch crown molding top and bottom in all rooms. Features living/dining room plus family room open to kitchen. Enjoy this corner lot with a lovely heated pool and spa with easy maintainable landscape. Garage with custom floor to ceiling cabinets, work bench and epoxy flooring.

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8445 E Aloe Vera Circle Gold Canyon, AZ 85118

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,340 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779682

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome To This STUNNING & Completely REMODELED&REDONE GEM Filled w/High End Finishes & Gorgeous Surprises Around Every Corner!Entry Charms w/Porcelain Plank Floors, Designer Accent Paint&Vaulted Ceilings Which Beckon Through 2 Immaculate Kitchen Feat. Granite Slab Counters, Chocolate Glaze Cabs w/Brown PinStripes, Quartz Sinks,Cstm Travertine BackSplash, Cstm Lighting&Beamed Ceiling, Highly Upgr.Stainless App Package (F/W/D ALL Incl)&Brushed Nickel Hardware!Updated Baths Feat. Granite, Quartz, Brass&Mother Of Pearl Hardware, Cstm Fixtures&More! Mstr Suite Feat. Ext. Att.Sitting Room, Beautiful Barn Door Wall 2 Patio, Cstm Shower&Tub w/Water Proof ShipLap Wall! Ext.Patio Incl. Cstm Wrought Iron Gate,No Homes Directly Behind&Artificial Turf Sideyard!New Paint 2024!INCREDIBLE Front MTN VWS!

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13518 W Sola Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,095 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782063

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Encanto is a favored floor plan in Corte Bella Country Club. Uniquely designed for that entertainer's lifestyle. This home has so many upscale extras that you will enjoy. Features include designer front door, updated lighting, soft welcoming paint, smooth surface tiled flooring, 10' ceilings, great room, shutters, recessed lighting, 8 ft. Island in kitchen & 2 bedrooms plus Den. Split floorplan. Primary bathroom has a remodeled walk-in shower, oversized walk-in closet & two sinks. Great room includes cozy fireplace & open view into kitchen. The kitchen has high-end cabinets, granite counters, induction cooktop, breakfast bar & casual dining. Extended length garage. Exterior features include fenced bk yard w/covered patio, front covered patio & centrally located w/in Corte Bella.

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5595 W Mercer Lane Glendale, AZ 85304

$585,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,348 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784014

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! Nestled in a tranquil cul-de-sac with no HOA, this property has everything you need and more. Step inside and be greeted by an open-concept entertaining floor plan with vaulted ceilings and new LED can lighting that illuminates every corner with warmth and style. The fully remodeled kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring brand-new cabinetry, modern appliances, and a convenient pot filler that makes cooking a breeze. New laminate flooring flows seamlessly throughout the home, offering both beauty and durability. Cozy up by the fireplace in the spacious living room, or enjoy the peaceful view of the mature trees from the large windows with elegant plantation shutters. You'll find ample storage space throughout, perfect for keeping things organized and tidy. Outside, the good-sized yard is a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touch. Imagine the possibilitiesa garden, play area, or custom outdoor oasis. With a lemon tree ready to provide fresh fruit, you'll love the potential this space offers for entertaining and relaxation. This beautifully updated home is move-in ready and waiting for you to make it your own. Don't miss outon this home!

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6351 W Saddlehorn Road Phoenix, AZ 85083

$585,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,542 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783990

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Exceptionally clean and lovingly maintained poolside home with 4 BR and 2.5 BA. HVAC 2020. Granite counters in kitchen and baths, travertine backsplash and FP accents. Freshly painted inside and out with new Lighting and Fans, New Carpet. Stay and play in your own backyard resort play pool (pool fence available) and mostly private. Look at the size of the bedrooms! 28x15 master has sitting room and lux bath with soaking tub and sep shower. Easy access to shopping, great restaurants, hiking and commute by way of 303, 101 and 17.

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4722 N 76th Place Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$585,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,806 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767821

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bath single level charmer in highly sought after Historic Villa Monterey, Old Town Scottsdale's most desirable 55+ community. This home is truly special! Sitting on a highly desirable corner lot, right next to a green belt and across from the architecturally pleasing water fountain. Private front patio is a hidden gem for friendly gatherings; mature landscape, grape vines, and old world feel pavers. Interior is welcoming with hardwood flooring and extended livings space. The faux fireplace adds ambiance. Primary bedroom is customized with sought after walk in closet, side windows, and updated bath. Beautiful solid wood doors. Delightful backyard with custom seating accommodates sleeping under the stars! Small workshop/shed has electric for the hobbyist. Newer Trane 5 ton AC, roof recently recoated. Fresh interior paint. Villa Monterey is zoned Historic, and pride of ownership shows throughout this charming subdivision. Old style lamplights line the streets adding a real ''hometown'' neighborhood feel. Enjoy community pool and spa gatherings. Follow the canal path into Old Town for dining, cocktails, etc. Close to art galleries, spring training, car shows, Hayden Park and waterway; all the wonderful amenities of Scottsdale Living.

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1711 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,011 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775404

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

AMAZING, Sparkling POOL and Resort Style Backyard, perfect for Entertaining. Enjoy this Beautiful FULLY REMODELED 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage Home! The Delightful Pavered Entry and Patio are a welcome greeting! Enter into an Open and Spacious Great Room with vaulted ceilings and Fantastic Feature Wall with Fireplace. Your Dream Kitchen w/large island, quartz countertops, induction stove, under the counter microwave & much more! The Airconditioned Arizona Room is perfect for an office, game room or craft room with views to the pool! Newer Windows, New Front Door and Sliding Glass Doors, New Paint Interior and Exterior. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, tennis, pickle ball, swimming pools, fitness center & much more!

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1018 E Acoma Drive Phoenix, AZ 85022

$585,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,218 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6781431

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fall in love with this two-story home in Phoenix that effortlessly combines comfort and style! Inside, you'll find an inviting living room, an open den/office, and a formal dining room complete with a cozy fireplace. The kitchen displays plenty of cabinetry, built-in appliances, fluorescent lighting, and a breakfast bar. Sizable primary boasting plush carpet, direct outdoor access, a walk-in closet, and a private ensuite comprised of dual sinks and a make-up desk. As a bonus, this house includes a 2nd main bedroom with balcony access and a bathroom. Enjoy mountain views from the balcony. Spacious backyard showcases a covered patio, storage shed, and a sparkling pool for year-round enjoyment. New A/C and garage door installed this year! Don't miss this one-time opportunity

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19844 W Heatherbrae Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$585,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,286 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6781151

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your Dream Pool Home in the highly sought-after community of Verrado! Beautifully designed and meticulously upgraded, featuring a kitchen that any chef would envy, complete with a remarkable butler's pantry. The open-concept kitchen seamlessly flows into the Great Room and dining area, creating an inviting space perfect for entertaining. The owner's suite serves as a luxurious retreat, boasting dual sinks, a spacious walk-in closet, and a lavish shower. Step outside to discover your own backyard oasis, complete with a sparkling pool and spa—ideal for unwinding or hosting gatherings with friends. Nestled amidst a picturesque neighborhood, 26 miles of hiking/biking trails, community pools, gym, over 80 community parks. Your gorgeous and upgraded ''unicorn'' of a home awaits!

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22422 N 99th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

$585,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,867 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762267

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in a sought-after community boasts recent updates and a welcoming atmosphere! Featuring updated bathrooms in 2022, this home offers modern convenience. The great room with an open floor plan is complemented by a cool paint tone, creating a cozy ambiance. The interior showcases a beautiful combination of wood-like tile and soft carpet in all the right places. The split primary bedroom offers a walk-in closet for added comfort. The kitchen includes a new dishwasher, pantry, granite countertops, kitchen island, and a breakfast bar, along with plenty of cabinets for storage. Outside, the covered back patio overlooks a low-maintenance private yard with brand new artificial turf, gravel, and trees. Community amenities include a playground, tennis courts, pool & spa, and much more!

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